A few days ago we saw an international reporter refer to British television as "mostly purvey[ing] low-grade pornographic entertainment, so-called 'reality' shows of stunning banality..." by which the Poorhouse assumes Big Brother in particular was meant. Every season, it seems to get less innovative, more tedious and as a last resort dwells on smut an extra little bit. That's not of course to say that the Poorhouse doesn't watch it. Who doesn't like watching insane people fight with each other?

Anyway, that might soon become the pinnacle of high-brow entertainment compared to a certain new "reality" gameshow being made in America called "Virgin Territory". Can you guess what it is yet? Clue: the name of it is in no way cryptic, and it's being produced by Kevin Blatt, the guy who sold Paris Hilton's "special" videotape.

Yes, you guessed it. TV is in danger of sinking lower and lower into the depths of depravity than ever before. Think "The Bachelor", but slightly more direct and honest about its aims.

Virgin Territory is currently recruiting for 10 male virgins. Apparently their status is to be "medically verified" before the program starts - excuse the Poorhouse's bashful naivety but can any illuminate us as to how exactly one does that? Then, the show starts and by some means fair or foul - and probably to do with premium rate phone calls - 9 of the guys are eliminated leaving the lucky winner to lose their virginity to a celebrity. Presumably televised. What is there left to say?

In case anyone's interested in which celebrities exactly this would involve, don't die of shock just yet but rumour has it that the pure-as-the-driven-snow Paris Hilton and Jenna Jameson have been approached. Boys, if you really, really have no reason to live then go sign up here. One has to hope this is some sort of joke...but no-one seems to have started laughing yet.